Formula 1 descends upon the dazzling streets of Las Vegas for the penultimate triple-header of the 2025 season, where the coveted Drivers’ Championship remains fiercely contested. The iconic Las Vegas Grand Prix serves as a critical juncture in the title fight, presenting the first opportunity for reigning world champion Max Verstappen to be mathematically eliminated from contention.
As the grid prepares for the high-octane spectacle under the neon lights, McLaren driver Lando Norris currently holds a precarious lead in the championship standings. Norris sits 24 points ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri, while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen trails Norris by 49 points in third position. For Verstappen’s title hopes to conclude in Las Vegas, Norris must extend his lead over the Dutchman by a minimum of nine points before the championship moves to its final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. This scenario underscores the immense pressure on all three contenders, with every point in qualifying and the race carrying significant weight. The unique challenges of the Las Vegas Street Circuit, combined with the late-season stakes, promise an unpredictable and enthralling weekend of racing.
Despite leading the Constructors’ Championship and having both drivers at the forefront of the individual standings, McLaren does not enter this weekend as the outright favorites. This unusual position stems from their struggles at the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2024, where the British outfit managed only sixth and seventh-place finishes. Their performance last year was significantly hampered by severe tyre graining issues, a problem exacerbated by the cold track temperatures and the circuit’s notoriously bumpy surface. Tyre graining occurs when the surface of the tyre shreds or crumbles, forming small balls of rubber that reduce grip and increase wear. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in cold conditions, where tyres struggle to reach and maintain their optimal operating temperature, leading to an inconsistent contact patch with the track surface.
In stark contrast, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team enjoyed a dominant performance at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing a commanding 1-2 finish. Their ability to manage tyre performance and adapt their car setup to the unique demands of the street circuit proved superior. This historical precedent casts a shadow of doubt over McLaren’s prospects and elevates Mercedes’ potential, despite their position lower down the 2025 championship table. The question remains whether Mercedes can replicate their 2024 success or if McLaren has found solutions to mitigate their previous weaknesses on this demanding circuit. Much of the answer will depend on the crucial qualifying session, which determines starting positions and significantly influences race strategy and outcomes.
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When is Qualifying for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?
The qualifying session for the 22nd round of the 2025 F1 campaign, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, is scheduled to commence at 8:00 PM local time on Friday, November 21st. Given the time difference, this translates to an early morning start for viewers in the United Kingdom.
| Event | Date | Time (Local) | Time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas GP Qualifying | Nov 21 | 20:00 | 04:00 (Nov 22) |
How Can I Watch Formula 1 in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the exclusive live broadcast rights for Formula 1 are held by Sky Sports. This means that fans can follow all the high-speed action, including practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself, through various Sky Sports platforms. Subscribers can access the coverage via Sky Sports F1, a dedicated channel offering comprehensive F1 programming. Additionally, live streaming options are available through the NOW TV platform and the Sky Go application, providing flexibility for viewers on different devices.
Sky Sports F1 can be subscribed to as a standalone package for £20 per month. For those seeking broader sports content, Sky also offers a comprehensive sports membership that includes all Sky Sports channels for £22 per month. NOW TV provides flexible access with a one-off day membership priced at £14.99, or a more extended monthly deal for £31.99.
For viewers who prefer to catch up on the action, free-to-air highlights packages are broadcast by Channel 4. These highlight programmes typically air several hours after the conclusion of the live sessions on both Saturday (qualifying) and Sunday (race).
How Can I Watch Qualifying for the F1 Las Vegas GP?
The qualifying session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 in the United Kingdom. Coverage on Sky Sports F1 is scheduled to begin at 3:00 AM GMT on Saturday, November 22nd, with the session itself starting at 4:00 AM GMT. This early morning slot reflects the unique scheduling required for a night race in Las Vegas to accommodate European audiences.
For those seeking real-time updates and commentary, Motorsport.com will provide live text commentary throughout the Las Vegas GP qualifying session, offering minute-by-minute insights and analysis.
Where Can I Watch the F1 Las Vegas GP Qualifying Highlights?
British motorsport enthusiasts can watch highlights of the Las Vegas GP qualifying session on Channel 4. Their dedicated programme is scheduled to begin at 10:55 AM GMT on Saturday, November 22nd, and is expected to run for 90 minutes, offering a detailed recap of all the key moments and results.
Will Qualifying for the F1 Las Vegas GP be on the Radio?
Live radio coverage for every session of the 2025 F1 season is provided by BBC Radio 5 Live, the 5 Live Sports Extra stations, the BBC Sounds app, and the official BBC Sport website. Listeners in the UK can tune into 5 Live Sports Extra 2 for live commentary of the Las Vegas GP qualifying, with coverage commencing at 3:55 AM GMT on Saturday, November 22nd.
Weather Forecast for Qualifying of the F1 Las Vegas GP
The weather conditions for qualifying at the Las Vegas Grand Prix are anticipated to be relatively cool, which could play a significant role in tyre performance, particularly for teams that struggled in similar conditions in 2024. The air temperature is expected to be approximately 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 degrees Fahrenheit) under light cloud cover. A slight breeze is also forecast, which, while not strong enough to significantly alter aerodynamic balance, could contribute to the chilling effect on the track surface. The chance of rain is minimal, standing at 14%, but a humidity level of 60% could further impact the track’s grip characteristics, making it slightly more slippery than in drier conditions. These factors collectively highlight the challenge for teams to find the optimal car setup and tyre management strategy, especially for McLaren, given their past experiences at this unique venue.
The cooler temperatures and potential for graining mean that qualifying will be not just about raw pace, but also about the ability of drivers and engineers to extract performance from the tyres on the first flying lap and manage them effectively throughout the session. Given the championship battle and McLaren’s previous difficulties, their performance in these conditions will be under intense scrutiny, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic Saturday morning for F1 fans globally.
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- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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